Documents on the origin of funds: what banks ask for in Ukraine and abroad

Why banks need these documents

Banks must check where a client’s funds come from — anti-money-laundering law in Ukraine and similar rules in other countries require it. The clearer the chain «basis → account → transfer», the fewer the questions.

What a bank in Ukraine usually asks for

• The basis for receiving the funds: a sale contract or a certificate of inheritance
• Title documents for the property you sold
• Proof of taxes and fees paid — if any were due
• A statement showing the funds received on your account
• Your passport and Ukrainian tax number (RNOKPP)

What is needed at the border

• Up to the equivalent of 10 000 € — nothing: no written declaration or documents
• From 10 000 € — a written customs declaration
• Over 10 000 € — also a bank document on the cash withdrawal from your own account and a currency exchange receipt, if you bought currency; they are valid for 90 days from the withdrawal

Only the account holder can take out more than 10 000 € in person. On entry into the EU, amounts from 10 000 € are declared again. An overview of the rules with the date of the check is on the Money abroad page.

What a bank abroad may ask for

• The same documents — often translated into the local language or English
• An explanation of how the funds were accumulated: a sale, an inheritance, savings
• Statements of your Ukrainian account for a period

Why banks refuse

• The amount on the account does not match the contract
• Part of the money was received in cash
• The funds came to another person’s account first, then to you
• There is no proof of taxes paid
• The account abroad is not in your name

How we prepare the package

Before we start, we check the origin of the funds. Then we assemble the package you need for the Ukrainian bank, customs and the bank in your country, and explain how to declare the amount at the border. We never touch your money: you withdraw and carry it yourself. See Money abroad.